U.S. patent application number 12/421302 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for treatment devices and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to AngioDynamics, Inc.. Invention is credited to William M. Appling, Shaily Bhargav, David A. Blau, Kevin Moss, Robert M. Pearson.
Application Number | 20090259220 12/421302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41164595 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090259220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Appling; William M. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2009 |
Treatment Devices and Methods
Abstract
Systems disclosed herein contain a source for providing one or
more energy sources as well as substances singly or in combination,
and a kit containing a delivery device. The delivery device is
configured to be releasably coupled to the source for delivering
the energy as well as the substances to a location remote from the
source which may include delivery for a patient.
Inventors: |
Appling; William M.;
(Granville, NY) ; Pearson; Robert M.; (San Jose,
CA) ; Moss; Kevin; (Tracy, CA) ; Bhargav;
Shaily; (Mountain View, CA) ; Blau; David A.;
(Chico, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.
603 QUEENSBURY AVENUE
QUEENSBURY
NY
12804
US
|
Assignee: |
AngioDynamics, Inc.
Queensbury
NY
|
Family ID: |
41164595 |
Appl. No.: |
12/421302 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61043728 |
Apr 9, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2090/0803 20160201;
A61B 2090/0814 20160201; A61B 18/20 20130101; A61B 18/203 20130101;
A61B 2017/00482 20130101; A61N 5/0601 20130101; A61N 2005/067
20130101; A61B 90/98 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/10 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/20 20060101
A61B018/20 |
Claims
1. A kit comprising a treatment delivery device coupled to an
electromagnetically readable product key that is detachable from
said treatment delivery device, wherein said treatment delivery
device is configured for coupling with a treatment source, and said
product key is electromagnetically readable by said treatment
source.
2. The kit of claim 1 wherein said key is physically separate from
said treatment delivery device.
3. The kit as in any one of the preceding claims, in which said
treatment delivery device is a laser delivery device.
4. An apparatus comprising a treatment delivery device coupled to a
circuit powered by direct current, wherein the circuit is coupled
to a direct current power storage and a data storage, and said data
storage comprises an electromagnetically readable product key
unique to said treatment delivery device.
5. An apparatus comprising: a laser delivery device coupled to a
direct current circuit wherein said direct current circuit is
coupled to a mutable data storage and said mutable data storage
comprises an electromagnetically readable product key unique to
said laser delivery device.
6. An apparatus comprising a hardware piece coupled to a direct
current circuit wherein said direct current circuit is coupled to a
direct current power storage and a mutable data storage, and said
mutable data storage comprises an algorithm for limiting usage of a
treatment delivery device.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein usage is limited by at least
one of time of usage and number of usages.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the hardware piece is a door
interlock.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/043,728, filed Apr. 9, 2008,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention and Description of the Related Art
[0002] The present description relates in general to systems that
contain a source for providing energy as well as substances singly
as well as in combination, and a kit containing a delivery device.
The delivery device is configured to be releasably coupled to the
source for delivering the one or more energies as well as
substances to a location remote from the source. In particular, the
present description relates to a laser system that contains a laser
source for providing laser radiation, and a kit containing a laser
delivery device. The laser delivery device contains one or more
optical fibers, and may be releasably coupled to the laser source
for delivering laser radiation to a location on or in a
patient.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This application discloses a kit comprising a treatment
delivery device and a product key separate or detachable from the
treatment delivery device prior to its use, wherein the treatment
delivery device is configured for coupling with a treatment source,
and where the product key is electromagnetically readable by the
treatment source.
[0004] This application also discloses a kit comprising a laser
delivery device and an electromagnetically readable product key,
wherein the product key is physically separated from the laser
delivery device.
[0005] This application further discloses a treatment delivery
device, comprising a circuit powered by direct current, wherein the
circuit comprises direct current power storage and data storage,
and the data storage comprises a product key unique to the
treatment delivery device.
[0006] This application further discloses a laser delivery device,
comprising a proximal connector, wherein the proximal connect
comprises a direct current (DC) circuit, the DC circuit comprises a
mutable data storage, and the mutable data storage comprises a
product key unique to the laser delivery device.
[0007] This application further discloses a hardware piece,
comprising a DC circuit, wherein the DC circuit comprises a DC
power storage and a mutable data storage, and the mutable data
storage comprises an algorithm for limiting usage of a treatment
delivery device. The hardware piece may be a door interlock
configured to be releasably coupled to a treatment delivery device,
such as a laser delivery device.
[0008] Throughout the present disclosure in its entirety, any and
all of the one, two, or more features disclosed herein following
the term "example" may be practiced in any combinations of two,
three, or more thereof, whenever and wherever appropriate as
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Some of these
examples are themselves sufficient for practice without being
combined with any other features, as understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art. Throughout the present disclosure in its
entirety, any and all of the descriptions following the term
"example" are for illustration only, without limiting the scope of
any of the referenced terms or phrases either within the context or
outside the context of such descriptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a kit according to the present
application.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a treatment system according to the
present application.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates the coupling of a reader and a treatment
source according to the present application.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates another coupling of a reader and a
treatment source according to the present application.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the coupling of a treatment delivery
device and a treatment source according to the present
application.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a connector according to the present
application.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates another connector according to the
present application.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic of a DC circuit according to
the present application.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates another schematic of a DC circuit
according to the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present description relates in general to systems that
contain a source for providing energy as well as substances singly
as well as in combination, and a kit containing a delivery device.
The delivery device is configured to be releasably coupled to the
source for delivering energy as well as substances singly as well
as in combination to a location remote from the source. In
particular, the present description relates to a laser system that
contains a laser source for providing laser radiation, and a kit
containing a laser delivery device. The laser delivery device
contains one or more optical fibers, and may be releasably coupled
to the laser source for delivering laser radiation to a location on
or in a patient.
[0019] In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a kit 10
contains a laser delivery device 12 and a unique product key (not
shown) capable of identifying the supplier of laser delivery device
12 or kit 10. The product key may further encode one or more of
model number, device type, serial number, date of manufacturer,
expiration date, and other general or unique product information.
The product key may be encrypted digitally or in other methods
known in the art. Laser delivery device 12 contains a distal
portion 14, a body 17, and a proximal connector 13. Body 17 may
include one or more optical fibers. Connector 3 may include one or
more optical fiber connectors, such as sub miniature A (SMA), sub
miniature C (SMC), enterprise systems connection (ESCON), ferrule
connector (FC), fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), local
connector (LC), mechanical transfer (MT), mechanical transfer
registered jack (MT-RJ), MU, subscriber connector (SC), straight
tip/bayonet fiber optic connector (ST/BFOC), Toshiba link
(TOSLINK), biconic, D4, E2000, media interface connector (MIC),
multi-fiber push on (MPO), MTP, or opti-jack. Product key is not
disposed on or in laser delivery device 12. Rather, the product key
is included on or in packaging 11 of kit 10, on or in an insert 16
included in kit 10, or otherwise detached or detachable from laser
delivery device 12. Insert 16 may be an instruction for use (IFU),
or a stand-alone member (e.g., a card such as a swipe card, a flag
(e.g., one that is detachable from device 12), a ticket, a member
detachably coupled to device 12 but is not a functional component
of device 12 (e.g., a cap that covers connector 13 or distal end of
distal portion 14, which would be removed prior to use of device
12). For example, the product key may be printed, encoded,
embedded, or otherwise stored on or in packaging 11 or insert 16.
The product key may be in the form of a two-dimensional pattern
(e.g., a bar code, a pixel pattern), an AC or RF tag or
transponder, a magnetic member (e.g., a strip, a chip), an optical
member (e.g., a hologram, an optical strip or chip or disk), or
other data storage form or medium.
[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 2, connector 13 may be releasably
coupled to a laser source 20. Laser source 20 may contain therein a
laser generation circuit 22. Laser generation circuit 22 may
include one or more of: a processor (e.g., a controller), a DC
power storage (e.g., a capacitor, a battery), a DC power management
circuit, a time keeper (e.g., an oscillator), a laser with an on
and off sensing circuit, an input signal sensing circuit, or a data
storage (e.g., non-volatile memory). A reader 21 is at least one of
electrically, optically, as well as mechanically (such as a set-top
box or A side attachment), coupled to laser source 20, such as to
laser generation circuit 22 therein. Reader 21 is configured to
read the product key. An interlock 25 may be connected to laser
source 20 to enable the activation of laser generation circuit 22;
disconnecting interlock 25 from laser source 20 would disable laser
generation circuit 22.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 3, reader 21 may contain an access
control circuit 23 that receives the reading result on the product
key and pass it onto an activation circuit 24 in laser source 20.
Activation circuit 24 is configured to activate laser generation
circuit 22 in laser source 20 when the product key is authenticated
by reader 21, and any other requisites are satisfied (e.g.,
interlock 25 as illustrated in FIG. 2 is properly connected to
laser source 20).
[0022] In alternative embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, access
control circuit 23 may be included within laser source 20. In
further alternative embodiments (not shown), reader 20 may be
integrated, embedded, or otherwise included in laser 20. In further
alternative embodiments (not shown), access control circuit 23 may
be a portion of activation circuit 24. In further alternative
embodiments (not shown), activation circuit 24 may be a portion of
access control circuit 23. The interworking among reader 21, access
control circuit 23, activation circuit 24, and laser generation
circuit 22 as described herein above applies to all these and other
alternative embodiments.
[0023] It is noted that communication (e.g., data transfer) between
reader 21 and laser device 20 or activation circuit 24 therein may
be bi-directional or two-way. It is further noted that
communication (e.g., data transfer) between reader 21 and the data
storage that carries the product key on or in kit 10 may also be
bi-directional or two-way. Such bi-directional or two-way
communication applies at least to the configurations depicted in
FIGS. 3-4.
[0024] Access control circuit 23 may include one or more of: a
processor (e.g., a controller), a DC power storage (e.g., a
capacitor, a battery), a DC power management circuit, a time keeper
(e.g., an oscillator), a laser with an on and off sensing circuit,
an input signal sensing circuit, or a data storage (e.g.,
non-volatile memory). Activation circuit 24 may include one or more
of a processor (e.g., a controller), a DC power storage (e.g., a
capacitor, a battery), a DC power management circuit, a time keeper
(e.g., an oscillator), a laser with on and off sensing circuit, an
input signal sensing circuit, or a data storage (e.g., non-volatile
memory). Reader 21 may be a pattern recognition device (e.g.,
barcode reader), an RFID reader, a magnetic reader, an optical
reader, or other suitable information recognition devices.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, in operation, the user may
present the product key or kit 10 or a subcomponent thereof
containing the product key to reader 21 for authentication. Upon
receiving the product key, Reader 21 may then determine whether or
not the product key satisfies an authentication algorithm
pre-loaded into a data storage medium in reader 21 or laser source
20. The authentication algorithm may be configured for at least
recognizing kit 10 singly or in combination with device 12 as being
provided by a selected supplier (e.g., manufacturer, distributer).
The authentication algorithm may first run a decryption subroutine
if the product key is encrypted. If the product key can be properly
decrypted and satisfies the pre-loaded authentication algorithm,
then laser delivery device 12 is deemed authenticated as being
provided by the selected supplier. Reader 21 may signal access
control circuit 23 to allow activation circuit 24 to activate laser
generation circuit 22 in laser source 20. When interlock 25 and
laser delivery device 12 are properly connected to laser source 20,
laser generation circuit 24 can be activated to provide a laser
beam that is transmitted through body 17 of laser delivery device
12 and emitted out of distal portion 14. If reader 21 fails to
authenticate the product key, laser generation circuit 24 would not
be activated even when interlock 25 and laser delivery device 12
are properly coupled to laser source 20.
[0026] Besides the product key authentication algorithm, the data
storage medium in reader 21 or laser source 20 may further store a
database of product keys that reader 21 has ever read (optionally
including the date and time stamps, locations, event logs, error
logs, and other related information of such prior readings), as
well as a database of product keys that are pre-authorized by the
selected supplier. In alternative embodiments, the data storage
medium may establish a communication with a remote-site (e.g., a
computer or server through network or internet) on which the
database(s) of product keys reside. The product key received by
reader 21 may further be compared (e.g., by using a pre-loaded
comparison algorithm) against the product keys store in the
database(s) to determine if the received product key has ever been
read by reader 21 as well as by other reader(s) 21 known to the
selected supplier. If not, then laser delivery device 12 may be
deemed as a brand new device that warrants proper authentication.
Any and all information related to the reading (e.g., date and
time, location, reading result, event log, error log, and other
related information) and the successful authentication may be
recorded on the data storage medium in reader 21 or laser source
20, as well as through the established communication at the remote
site, if present, for record-keeping, as well as for future
reference.
[0027] If the product key received by reader 21 is determined to
have been read before according to the database(s), laser delivery
device 12 may be deemed as used. In certain embodiments, the
product key authentication algorithm may be programmed such that
any product keys deemed as used fails the authentication process.
As such the corresponding laser delivery device 12 may be rendered
as a single-use disposable, and cannot be reused at all. In
alternative embodiments, the product key authentication algorithm
may be programmed such that certain or all product keys as deemed
used may be granted a finite number (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) of
reuse. If the received product key is deemed as used but within the
reuse limit according to the database(s) in reader 21 or laser
source 23 or at the remote site, then authentication is granted. If
the received product key is deemed to have exceeded its reused
limit, then the product key is deemed expired, and authentication
is denied. As such, the corresponding laser delivery device 12 may
be rendered as a multi-use disposable. Any and all information
related to the reading (e.g., date and time, location, reading
result, event log, error log, and other related information) and
the successful authentication may be recorded on the data storage
medium in reader 21 or laser source 20, as well as through the
established communication at the remote site, if present, for
record-keeping, as well as for future reference.
[0028] Reader 21 as well as laser source 20 may be configured to
report the success or failure of product key authentication to the
user. The report may be visual (e.g., print out, signal light,
alphanumeric display), auditory (e.g., beeps, ring tones, simulated
speech, prior recordings), as well as tactile (e.g., vibration).
Either the product key resides on a mutable data storage, or at
least one of reader 21 or access control circuit 23 contains a
mutable data storage, or both.
[0029] In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, connector
31 of distal portion 30 of a laser delivery device is configured to
be releasably coupled to laser source 40. Connector 31 may contain
an optical connector 32, and a direct current (DC) circuit 33.
Optical connect 32 may be a component of DC circuit 33. Outer
surface of connector 30 or a portion thereof may also be a
component of DC circuit 33. When connector 31 is coupled to laser
source 40, optical connector 32 may be at least optically coupled
to a laser generation circuit 42, and DC circuit 33 may be at least
electrically coupled to an access control circuit 41.
[0030] DC circuit 33 may contain one or more of: a processor (e.g.,
a controller), a DC power storage (e.g., a capacitor, a battery), a
DC power management circuit, a time keeper (e.g., an oscillator), a
laser with on and off sensing circuit, an input signal sensing
circuit, or a data storage (e.g., non-volatile memory). DC circuit
33 may be configured to receive DC power from laser source 20 upon
as well as following coupling thereto. DC circuit 33 may be
configured to store the product key as well as the product key
database(s) described herein. DC circuit 33 as well as access
control circuit 41 may be configured to store as well as process
product key authentication algorithm as well as product key
comparison algorithm as described herein. DC circuit 33 as well as
access control circuit 41 may be configured to store as well as
record (e.g., using mutable data storage) information related to
testing, modification, as well as usage of laser delivery device
30, such as date and time of connection to and disconnection from
laser source 20, identity of laser source 20 for each connection,
durations of laser on as well as laser off, laser output energy
levels, event logs, error logs, testing/modification logs, and
others.
[0031] In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, connector
31 may have an outer surface 34 or a portion thereof that may be
substantially cylindrical. One or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more)
electrical contact(s) 35 (e.g., bands, strips) may be
concentrically as well as coaxially disposed along outer surface 34
of connector 31. Contact 35 may be formed of electrically
conductive materials, such as metals (e.g., gold, silver),
electrically conductive polymeric compositions, or electrically
conductive ceramic materials. Contact 35 may be preformed (e.g.,
tubes, caps, rings), printed (e.g., using electrically conductive
paint or ink), embedded, wrapped, wound, deposited (e.g., chemical
or physical vapor deposition), plated, or otherwise implemented on
outer surface 34. Contact 35 may be flush with outer surface 34.
Contact 35 may be circular or a portion of a circle. Any two
adjacent contacts 55 may be electrically insulated with insulating
materials known in the art, such as polyimides and polyamides.
Three or more contacts 55 may be adequate to allow bi-directional
or two-way communication between DC circuit 33 of connector 31 and
laser source 20 or access control circuit 41 therein. Alternative
to the illustration in FIG. 6, contacts may form one of distal and
proximal ends of outer surface 34, or both.
[0032] To accommodate the contact 35 of FIG. 6, the corresponding
electrical contacts in the laser source may be arranged
concentrically as well as coaxially with respect to the laser
output coupler configured for coupling to the optical connector of
the laser delivery device. Such corresponding contacts may be in
the form of rings, clamps, pins, blades, protrusions, or other
configurations known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0033] In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7, connector
51 may have a body 50 that contains DC circuit 33 (not shown).
Optical connector 52 may or may be not a component of DC circuit
33. Optical connector 52 may be substantially cylindrical, or
tubular with a polygonal cross-section (e.g., triangular, square,
rectangular, rhombus, pentagonal, hexagonal, as well as octagonal).
One or more contact substrate(s) 53 (e.g., printed circuit board)
may be disposed radially adjacent to optical connector 52. On
contact substrate 53 may be disposed one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or
more) electrical contact(s) SS (e.g., strips, dots, bands). Contact
55 may likewise be printed, embedded, deposited, plated, or
otherwise implemented on substrate 53. Contact 55, when in strip
form, may be oriented to be parallel to a longitudinal axis of
optical connector 52.
[0034] To accommodate the contact 55 of FIG. 7, the corresponding
electrical contacts in the laser source may be arranged radially
adjacent to the laser output coupler configured for coupling to the
optical connector of the laser delivery device. Such corresponding
contacts may be in the form of clamps, slots, recesses, or other
configurations known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0035] In other embodiments, the one or more electrical contact(s)
implemented on the laser delivery device may be sockets for
receiving pins or blades. In other embodiments, the one or more
electrical contact(s) may be longitudinal strips or bands extending
along the longitudinal axis of the laser delivery device.
[0036] The contacts that are disposed on the laser delivery device
(e.g., on the proximal connector thereof, as described herein, may
be exposed electrical contacts on an outer surface of the laser
delivery device. The contacts may be in electrical connection with
the DC circuit disposed within the laser delivery device. The
contacts may be configured to make electrical contact with contacts
implemented in or on laser source, so that DC circuit in the laser
delivery device may be electrically coupled to access control
circuit within laser source. Upon making such contact,
unidirectional (one-way) or bi-directional (two-way) communication
may be enabled between DC circuit in laser delivery device and
access control circuit in laser source. DC circuit having data
storage therein may be able to send stored information about the
laser delivery device to laser source or access control circuit
therein, such as but not limited to: the product key, supplier
identify, model number, device type, serial number, date of
manufacturer, expiration date, prior usage history (e.g., number of
connects and disconnects, date and time thereof, durations between
connects and disconnects, usage parameters and conditions, event
logs, error logs, testing logs, modification logs, identity of
laser sources connected), and other information general or unique
to the laser delivery device. Laser source or access control
circuit therein may have a mutable data storage and a processor to
record all the information received from laser delivery device, or
only selected data if so programmed in the processor. When
bi-directional communication is enabled, laser source or access
control circuit therein may send certain stored information about
laser source (e.g., product key of the laser source) to DC circuit
in the laser delivery device. If new procedure(s) is being carried
out using the laser delivery device, new information of date and
time of connect(s) and disconnect(s) and durations there between,
as well as parameters and conditions of the new procedure(s) may be
transmitted to DC circuit in the laser delivery device. Laser
delivery device or DC circuit therein may have a mutable data
storage and optionally a processor, to record all the new
information received from laser source, or only selected data if so
programmed in the processor.
[0037] DC circuit in the laser delivery device may be configured to
carry out the one or more desired functions described herein. FIG.
8 illustrates an exemplary schematic of a suitable DC circuit. This
schematic includes a DC power storage (capacitor C2), a processor
with on-board mutable memory (microcontroller U1), and a time
keeper (crystal oscillator Y1). When this DC circuit is
electrically coupled to a laser source, DC power coming from the
laser source through input signal line charges capacitor C2, which
powers the DC circuit. When C2 is fully charged, a signal is sent
along the master clear line (MCLR) to initiate/activate processor
U1. Processor U1 follows the program pre-loaded onto the on-board
memory (e.g., by manufacturer through data port P1) to send device
information such as its product key through output signal line to
the laser source or the access control circuit therein. Laser
source may encode information (e.g., laser source product key,
information about new usage) in the form of DC pulses of various
combinations of frequencies, durations, intervals, as well as
waveforms, and send such data-encoded pulses through the same input
signal line into the DC circuit. Processor U1 may be able to use
pre-loaded decoding algorithm to decode the pulses and record the
received information on the on-board mutable data storage. As such,
this DC circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 enables unidirectional and
bi-directional communication between laser delivery device and
laser source.
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary schematic of a suitable
DC circuit. This schematic differs from the one illustrated in FIG.
8 in that two separate lines are used to charge the DC power
storage (through +VCC line) and send data from laser source to the
DC circuit (through input signal line). As such, there is no need
to encode the data transmitted from laser source to the DC circuit
in DC pulses. Similar to the DC circuit illustrated in FIG. 8, this
DC circuit illustrated in FIG. 9 enables unidirectional and
bi-directional communication between laser delivery device and
laser source.
[0039] Alternative to capacitors and batteries, photovoltaic cells
may be suitable DC power storage for the DC circuits used in the
laser delivery circuits described herein. The photovoltaic cell may
be implemented on an exposed outer surface of the laser delivery
device (e.g., on the proximal connectors so that it can be easily
and quickly charged in clinical settings where the ambient light is
sufficiently bright. Alternatively, the photovoltaic cell may be
positioned along a portion of an optical fiber in the laser deliver
device and charged by light leaked out of the optical fiber. To
enhance the light leakage, a bend such as an S shape may be formed
along a segment of the optical fiber within the proximal connector.
The photovoltaic cell may be positioned proximate to the bend to
receive the leaked light and be charged. Non-limiting examples of
photovoltaic cells include: silicon wafer-based cells, epitaxial
photovoltaic cells (e.g., amorphous silicon, polycrystalline
silicon, micro-crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride, copper
indium selenide/sulfide, gallium arsenide), photo electrochemical
cells, polymer cells, nanocrystalline cells, dye-sensitized cells,
sliver cells.
[0040] It is noted that FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrate the body 17 of
laser delivery device carrying optical fiber(s) as extending
distally from the proximal connector in a direction parallel to, or
superimposes with, a longitudinal axis of the proximal connector.
In alternative embodiments, the body 17 may turn an angle with
respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal connector, such as
between 30 degrees and 90 degrees.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the DC circuits described herein may
be implemented other than in the proximal connector of the laser
delivery device. The DC circuit may be implemented in a separate
hardware piece (e.g., a dongle) that is included within the kit
that includes the laser delivery device, or supplied separately
from the kit without having to be sterilized. Any and all features
and functions described herein in associate with the DC circuit and
the proximal connector of the laser delivery device may be
implemented independently or in combinations thereof in the
separate hardware piece. The separate hardware piece containing the
DC circuit may be coupled to a communication interface in or on the
laser source. Non-limiting examples of such communication
interfaces may be serial or parallel, and include: LEMO connectors
(e.g., those with 3, 4 or more pins), 3-, 4- or more wire jacks,
Ethernet, FireWire, USB, 25-pin D-type connector, DE-9 connector,
9-pin D-subminiature connector, 3-pin through 9-pin standard
mini-DIN connectors, 7-pin laptop video connector, 9-pin Apple
GeoPort connector, 10-pin connectors, 5-pin MIDI connector, JVC
mini-DIN 8, PS/2 connector, DIN connectors, and printer ports. In
certain embodiments, the interlock 25 as depicted in FIG. 2 may be
modified to implement therein a DC circuit as described herein.
Alternatively, a communication interface (e.g., a data port) may be
implemented on any part (e.g., front panel, side panel, as well as
top panel) of the laser source to accommodate the coupling of the
separate hardware piece with the DC circuit therein. Separate
hardware pieces that are configured (through instructions
pre-loaded into the data storage on the DC circuit) to allow single
use may be included in the kit that further include the laser
delivery device. Separate hardware pieces that are configured to
allow multiple uses (e.g., 5 or more, 10 or more, 100 or more,
1,000 or more) may be supplied separately from the laser delivery
device kit.
[0042] The proximal connectors (with or without the body of the
laser delivery device coupled thereto) or the separate hardware
pieces disclosed herein may further be configured as software
upgrade tools for laser source software upgrade in the field by
sale people or service technicians. The laser source may be
configured (through programs pre-loaded onto a data storage
therein) to query the software version on the proximal connector or
the separate hardware piece, compare that with the on-board
software version, decide whether or not to upgrade, and proceed to
upgrade when deemed desirable. The proximal connectors (with or
without the body of the laser delivery device coupled thereto) or
the separate hardware pieces may further be configured as laser
source service and maintenance tools. They can be used to download
stored information in the laser source (e.g., event logs, error
logs) and be sent back to supplier or manufacturer for diagnosis or
calibration, without having to ship the expensive and bulky laser
source.
[0043] Throughout the present disclosure in its entirety, any and
all of the one, two, or more features disclosed herein following
the terms "examples" and "embodiments" may be practiced in any
combinations of two, three, or more thereof, whenever and wherever
appropriate as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Some
of these examples are themselves sufficient for practice without
being combined with any other features, as understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art. Throughout the present disclosure in its
entirety, any and all of the descriptions following the term
"example" are for illustration only, without limiting the scope of
any of the referenced terms or phrases either within the context or
outside the context of such descriptions.
[0044] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical
terminologies employed in the present disclosure shall have the
meanings that are commonly understood and used by one of ordinary
skill in the art. Unless otherwise required by context, it will be
understood that singular terms shall include plural forms of the
same and plural terms shall include the singular. Specifically, as
used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a" and "an"
include the plural reference unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise. Thus, for example, the reference to a microparticle is a
reference to one such microparticle or a plurality of such
microparticles, including equivalents thereof known to one skilled
in the art. Also, as used herein and in the claims, the terms "at
least one" and "one or more" have the same meaning and include one,
two, three or more. The following terms, unless otherwise
indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings when
used in the context of the present disclosure.
[0045] Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise
expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values
and percentages such as those for quantities of materials,
durations of times, temperatures, operating conditions, ratios of
amounts, and the likes thereof disclosed herein should be
understood as modified in all instances by the term "about."
Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical
parameters set forth in the present disclosure and attached claims
are approximations that can vary as desired. At the very least,
each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of
the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary
rounding techniques.
[0046] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges, and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth
herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values
inclusive of the recited values can be used.
[0047] Examples provided herein, including those following "such
as" and "e.g.," are considered as illustrative only of various
aspects and features of the present disclosure and embodiments
thereof, without limiting the scope of any of the referenced terms
or phrases either within the context or outside the context of such
descriptions. Any suitable equivalents, alternatives, and
modifications thereof (including materials, substances,
constructions, compositions, formulations, means, methods,
conditions, etc.) known or available to one skilled in the art can
be used or carried out in place of or in combination with those
disclosed herein, and are considered to fall within the scope of
the present disclosure. Throughout the present disclosure in its
entirety, any and all of the one, two, or more features and aspects
disclosed herein, explicitly or implicitly, following terms
"example", "examples", "such as", "e.g.", and the likes thereof may
be practiced in any combinations of two, three, or more thereof
(including their equivalents, alternatives, and modifications),
whenever and wherever appropriate as understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art. Some of these examples are themselves sufficient
for practice singly (including their equivalents, alternatives, and
modifications) without being combined with any other features, as
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ aspects and
features of the present disclosure in virtually any appropriate
manner.
* * * * *